Free Film School Class: Hitchcock 101

For the beginning filmmaker or the seasoned professional, there is one film course that is mandatory. It's as fun as it is educational. It's as visual as it is intellectual. It's arty, it's commercial, and there's one way to take a film class taught by two of the best filmmakers ever to have lived, even though they are deceased.

There are two requirements for the class. The course text will be "Hitchcock, by Truffaut". You can get it at Amazon or at a used book store for cheap. The second requirement is a membership with Net Flix or a well-stocked video store with an extensive Alfred Hitchcock section.

As you read the book, you will see it is divided up into sections, based on each of Hitchcock's films. I would suggest cracking open the book and reading, and then when you come to a film that sounds interesting, rent it. Having read hundreds of filmmaking books over the years, I can guarantee this book is one of the best. Filled with photos, descriptions of techniques (both in writing and production), anecdotes, etc., the book is a real treasure. I'm betting it will remain on your shelf for the rest of your filmmaking career.

BOOK: Hitchcock, by Truffaut